Book 29, Question 111
Why can too much fertilizer hurt plants and waterways?
Extra fertilizer can burn roots and leaves, leaving brown, crispy tips.
Rain can wash leftover fertilizer off the soil into storm drains and then into streams and lakes. The nutrients feed algae, which can grow into thick green blooms that use up oxygen and harm fish. Using only what the plants need, and compost for slow feeding, protects water.